May 29, 2009

Regarding the May 13 editorial, "US drops a ball in Iraq": This editorial was lacking an important perspective: that of the Multi-National Force Iraq (MNF-I).

Since 2006, the MNF-I commander has developed a religious engagement cell that meets with senior Iraqi religious leaders weekly. Sunni and Shiite endowments work closely with the government of Iraq and MNF-I leadership to sponsor reconciliation conferences throughout Iraq. In the past year, Iraqi nationals, nongovernment officials, and other organizations conducted more than 15 conferences that included senior Sunni, Shiite, Christian, Mandaean, and Yazidi religious leaders. Every week, the MNF-I commander is briefed on the concerns of the religious leaders. This input is coordinated with that of the US State Department and the government of Iraq, to determine how and where to provide support.

The MNF-I commander sponsored three reconciliation workshops attended by more than 20 top religious leaders. Also, the religious engagement cell expanded its outreach and works with 90 religious leaders. According to the top Shiite and Sunni religious leaders, success for reconciliation in Iraq is accomplished when it is initiated by Iraqis, implemented by Iraqis, occurs within Iraq, and is supported by the coalition.

I submit to you that the ball has actually been jointly passed, to facilitate Iraqis helping Iraqis.

Richard B. Garrison

CH (COL) USA

MNF-I Command Chaplain

Immigrants to America assimilate

Regarding the May 28 Opinion piece, "What will America stand for in 2050?": I strongly disagree with writer Lawrence Harrison's opinion regarding the way the US will look in 2050.

When it comes to the entire immigration discussion, I am tired of the defeatist attitude that is so common in older generations in this country. Past waves of immigrants have always assimilated after a generation or two, and there is nothing that suggests that the current waves of immigrants to the United States will not also assimilate after a generation or two. We have the technology and the know-how to put in place an immigration system that works while also legalizing the millions of illegal immigrants who are currently here.

People seem to want to blame so many ills on illegal immigration, but the focus should be the destruction of the middle class by big-business interests that have been shipping well-paying, stable, nation-strengthening jobs to other countries and replacing them with low-skill, low-wage jobs. Illegal immigrants have become the scapegoats. We are a nation built by immigrants. As citizens of this great country, we should lead by example and mentor the immigrants in our midst instead of fearmongering.

Dan WalkerDenver

Sudan faces a second crisis

In regard to the May 27 Opinion piece, "Stand up to Sudan's thugs": This piece is an excellent reminder of the importance to the US and other developed nations of peace in Sudan.

While understandably focused on the Darfur peace process, author Eric Reeves missed an opportunity to warn of the growing tension and impending crisis in South Sudan. If the Bashir government is obstructionist and genocidal in Darfur, it doesn't take much foresight to predict its position in the impending 2011 plebiscite or election prior to that vote. The resource-rich South is being eagerly exploited by the Chinese and Russians. Their support of the Bashir regime will not waver even if it means a renewal of the civil war which will double the horrific actions in Darfur.

The Monitor will do a great service by continuing to cover the growing danger posed by Sudan, not only in Darfur, but throughout the country.

Robert SheaRochester, N.Y.

Young people get old culture, too

In regard to the May 26 Opinion piece, "Do you know who Captain Queeg, Howard Beale, and Chauncey Gardner are?": As a 25-year-old who doesn't consider herself more culturally aware than most, I was deeply insulted by this commentary. Just because one is not middle-aged does not mean one is completely clueless about cultural history.

History is not lost on the younger generations simply because we have more technology to keep us occupied. To assume that we don't know who Annie Oakley and Captain Queeg are is a slap in the face to those who are familiar with all of the references made in this piece. So be careful when throwing out stereotypes; just because you think you're speaking a foreign language when speaking to "kids these days" doesn't mean we aren't fluent in it, as well.